More and More Americans Say They’re Embarrassed by This

Homeowners' secret shame has been revealed.

For as long as I can remember, I've always been a little embarrassed of wherever I've lived; even as a child. I grew up in what the rich kids called the "pickle pits"; it was a run down trailer park right across the street from the Gedney pickle factory. The entire neighborhood smelled of vinegar and pee. I was so embarrassed that I never had friends over and one summer, when I was forced to live with my dad as a punishment (which ultimately led to my homelessness), I lied to a boyfriend about where I lived and had him pick me up at a friend's house.

I still carry some of that embarrassment with me to this day and vowed that I would always make a better home for me and my family. A little over a year ago I bought my very first house. At first I loved it, it's a little cottage that looks like the three little bears should live there; but now that we've been there for almost two years I'm kind of sad we bought it. It's very small and needs a lot of updating. That was part of it's charm at first but now I feel like my home sends a message that we aren't that well off. But, and that's a very large but, it's my home and I'm extremely proud that it's all mine.

Does that feeling sound familiar? Did you make it a point to spend the Easter holiday at your in-laws (even though you can't stand them) because you're secretly embarrassed by your house? If so, take comfort in knowing that you're not alone. A new survey revealed that 60% of Americans are secretly ashamed of their home and admit to lying to avoid having company over.

The reasons probably sound familiar too. People surveyed said they were most ashamed of the general messiness, dated carpets and kitchens, unfinished projects and the size. They also said that their home will probably never get to the point where they're no longer embarrassed by it.

Hopefully, if you are embarrassed by your home, it won't get to that but if it did, I totally get it. Every time I walk down to the basement or have to go to the bathroom, I roll my eyes and think to myself, "we are never going to have the money to turn this into what we really want."

Experts say the feeling is totally normal and that all it takes is a few minor changes here and there; start with small DIY projects that you think you'll actually enjoy and focus on one room at a time.

You got this. This spring, let's both focus on turning our homes into something we can really be proud of.